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This year’s meeting theme Family Physicians: The Original Superheroes was inspired by MAFP President Dr. James Ervin, who shared in his installation address:
"Our friends at Marvel have shown that superheroes can be even more effective when working together—but MAFP demonstrated this even before Marvel."
Heroes unite, let’s join forces to make our communities and our state healthier and safer—together.
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for MAFP’s Annual Scientific Assembly! Be sure to register early so we can plan for an outstanding meeting.
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Spring Conference Success!
Our 2026 MAFP Spring Conference & Spring Fling brought together 140+ physicians, residents, and medical students for agreat weekend of learning, connection, and celebration. From engaging CME sessions and insightful panels on life after medical school and residency, to hands-on procedural workshops and recognizing our 2nd Annual Research Poster Contest winners— family medicine was on full display. Thank you to everyone who joined us
| | We love seeing so many of our past Presidents in attendance at each conference. Make plans to join us in July in Sandestin, Florida! | | |
Mississippi State Extension invites you to participate in the “Agricultural and Rural Friendly Training Designation”. This program features five self-paced online modules that tackle challenges rural families face, including farm safety, stress, and healthcare access.
Designed for medical team providers, this course earns continuing education credits upon completion. Program must be completed by June 26th, to receive continuing education credit. USE CODE "AFTDFREE" to participate!
Visit the program webpage below to learn more and register today!
| | We welcomed over 75 residents, medical students, and pre-med students to our annual Spring Fling. These attendees heard from panels and industry experts to give insight into how they can prepare for life after med school and residency. Residents and medical students also voted on new resident and student MAFP Board members and participated in suturing and casting and splinting procedural workshops. | |
The MAFP Foundation was also proud to host the 2nd Annual Research Poster Contest for students and residents to share innovative educational programs and showcase impactful community projects. This year, we were thrilled to feature 10 resident posters and 7 student posters, representing participation from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine and four Mississippi residency programs: EC-HealthNet FMRP, Forrest General FMRP, MSMERC MS Delta FMRP, and University of Mississippi Medical Center FMRP.
Posters were evaluated on: Significance of Findings for Family Physicians, Quality of Poster Findings, Quality of Methods, and Overall Rating.
A special thank you to TrueCare for sponsoring our awards. Dr. John Mitchell, TrueCare Chief Medical Officer, was on hand to congratulate our winners.
| | Our resident winners are: (L-R) 2nd place winner Charles Adedara, MD, UMMC FMRP, PGY-2; Dr. John Mitchell, TrueCare; 1st place winner: Sumit Saini, MD, MSMERC MS Delta FMRP, PGY-2; and 3rd place winner Landon Thompson, DO, Forrest General Hospital FMRP, PGY-2 | | Our student winners are: (L - R) 2nd place winners Cameron Kukla & Hephzipah Udo, WCUCOM, OMS-3; 1st place winners Graham Grunsky, WCUCOM, OMS-3; Dr. John Mitchell, TrueCare; and 3rd place winner Kayla Redmond (not pictured) & Samuel Ogunbode, WCUCOM, OMS-3. | | Congratulations to our new MAFP and MAFP Foundation Student and Resident Board Members. | | Mississippi Sends Full Delegation to NCCL | | Pictured here (L-R): Drs. Brent Smith, Ajay Vongala, Anthony Carter, David Norris, Hannah Ray, Ardarian Pierre, James Ervin, and Walter Burnett. | | |
Your MAFP delegates had a great time at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL), and the Annual Chapter Leader Forum (ACLF) Conferences in Kansas City, Missouri proudly representing the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians!
Your NCCL 2026 delegates included Drs. Anthony Carter, David Norris, Hannah Ray, Ardarian Pierre, and Ajay Vongala. Attending the ACLF were MAFP President-Elect, Dr. Walter Burnett, MAFP President, Dr. James Ervin, and MAFP Foundation and Workforce Director, Beth Wilson.
We’re thrilled that MAFP was once again recognized on the big stage:
- For having a full delegation present
- For having 100% Resident Membership
- First Place Medium Chapter for Highest Percent Increase in Student Membership for 2025
Dr. Ajay Vongala summarized what each day entailed:
The conference opened with sessions on writing resolutions, where the IMG constituency prioritized key issues such as visa availability, immigration concerns, pathways into family medicine, and physician well-being, resulting in ten submitted resolutions. On the second day, resolutions were presented at reference committee hearings, where I co-authored and presented two, followed by committee recommendations. The final day featured a parliamentary session to review and advance resolutions, where I also served as a teller, helping count votes and gaining deeper insight into the decision-making process.
He stated, "Beyond the sessions, the conference also provided opportunities for networking and collaboration. The Mississippi delegation spent time together, including daily group breakfast and dinner and attending a Kansas City Royals baseball game. I am grateful to the MAFP Foundation for supporting this opportunity. It was an enriching experience, and I look forward to staying engaged and contributing further in the future."
Reflecting on her third time attending NCCL, Dr. Ardarian Pierre stated, "Each experience is elevated as we contribute to improved advocacy, education, practice enhancement and much more".
| | Nominating Committee To Meet Soon | | |
The MAFP Nominating Committee will soon convene to review candidates for open positions on both the MAFP Board of Directors and the MAFP Foundation Board of Trustees.
Serving on these boards is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of family medicine in Mississippi, influence key decisions, and support initiatives that enhance the professional growth of family physicians.
Interested in Serving?
We are looking for dedicated and passionate members who are eager to make a difference. If you are interested in serving on the MAFP Board of Directors or the MAFP Foundation Board of Trustees, please reach out to Beth Embry at beth@msafp.org with your intention to serve, so we can present your candidacy to the Nominating Committee.
Your involvement can help shape the future of family medicine in our state. Don’t miss this chance to play a pivotal role in our organization’s mission and activities.
| | Governor’s vetoes stand as lawmakers sine die on the evening of April 15th. Read about it in the link below. | | |
Is there a family medicine issue that concerns you? Do you have a colleague who needs recognition? Consider writing a resolution!
All Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians members are invited to write and submit resolutions for consideration at the MAFP Business Meeting held on the Tuesday during the MAFP Annual Scientific Assembly. Submissions are due June 15th.
Writing and presenting resolutions is a great opportunity to direct MAFP policy and address issues of interest or concern to family physicians and family medicine. In addition, resolutions can honor outstanding achievement or memorialize deceased family physician leaders.
| | Request for Supplies for Medical Outreach Trip to Nigeria | | |
Dr. Tobe Momah is asking for sample medications and supply donations for his medial outreach teams going to Nigeria from July 28 through August 2. Traveling to Offa, Kwara State Nigeria, this area has been devastated by Islamic fundamentalists and any support would be appreciated. Supplies needed include: medications, surgical supplies, medical equipment, clothes, drapes, sheets, instruments
If you want to support this mission, please drop off supplies to the MAFP office at 755 Avignon Drive, Ridgeland or bring to the annual meeting in Sandestin and Dr. Momah can collect there.
They can be given to support OFFA Medical missions and as a tax deductible 501c3, individuals can get a tax deductible certificate from Faith and Power ministries
For more information, please email Dr. Momah directly at tobemomah@yahoo.com.
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Each year the MAFP gives out awards based on a member’s dedication and contribution to family medicine. There are 5 Awards that can be awarded each year. They are:
- Family Physician of the Year
- Military Service Award
- Humanitarian Award
- New Physician of the Year
- Katie Patterson Award
To nominate a member, please review the criteria for each award here and complete the nomination form online. The deadline for nominations is June 1.
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